Barry Lee Sullivan
On the evening of October 1st., Papa Bear passed away. He was blessed to have passed at home, surrounded by family and his constant companion, Maggie, our boxer. He passed away peacefully, knowing he was loved and that he will always be in our hearts.
Barry was born and raised in Los Angeles, Ca. He graduated from Whittier High School in 1957. His family owned a neighborhood grocery store and Barry’s career took off from there, working hard from the age of 15. He saved enough cash to buy a car at 15 1/2. Since he wasn’t old enough to drive, he spent his time washing and polishing it every weekend until he received his license.
His career started early in the grocery business. Barry was a store manager at 25 years old and continued to grow in the grocery field for another 40 years. His last 25 years was spent with Albertsons Supermarkets, retiring October 2004, at 66 years old.
Barry had a very full life! When Barry wasn’t working, he was playing! He had his once a year weekly vacations with his Whittier High school friends, playing golf in Palm Desert with the guys, Road trips with his family and trips to Mexico and Viking Cruises with Rhea.
He leaves behind his constant fury companion, Maggie. His wife of 40 years, Rhea. His children Randy (Katherine) Sullivan, Pam Sullivan and Summer Sullivan. His stepchildren Mike (Amy) Zanini and John (Maureen) Zanini. His Grandchildren Ryan Sullivan, Derek Zanini, Samantha Zanini, Kylie Zanini, Lindsay Zanini and Whitney Zanini. His sisters, Kathy (Larry) Jenkins and Sandy (Patrick) Bahn and their families. He’s preceded in death by his parents, Paul Sullivan and Verona Overton Sullivan. His brothers, Paul Sullivan and Mike Sullivan. His son Kevin Sullivan; and his step brothers Dan Delaney and Gary Delaney.
The family wants to give a special thank you to Dr. Byers and Dr. Winthrop for giving Barry the best care for the past five years. A special thank you to VNH for helping the family navigate and understand the transition that Barry was going through. A special thank you to 1Heart caregivers, especially, our angel David, who gave the family reassurance and so much support through this very hard time.
Contributions to Barry’s memory can be made to VNA Health, 509 E. Montecito St, Suite 200, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life, to honor Barry, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, 11:00 am at Lions Park, 6197 Casitas Pass Rd, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Casual attire.
